Springfield Police Department Promotes Three Lieutenants, Four Sergeants

Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday June 16th, Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood on behalf of the Springfield Police Department along with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno held a promotional pinning ceremony for the Department’s newest Lieutenants and Sergeants at Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College.

Springfield Police Superintendent Clapprood promoted Sergeants David Arroyo, Pablo Feliciano and Joseph Piemonte to the rank of Lieutenant.  She also promoted officers Runuel Bibby, Raymond Mateo Jr., Juan Estrada-Marquez and Elizer Vasquez to the rank of Sergeant.  These promotions will be effective Sunday June 19th.

“On the day we graduate our newest Police Officers from the Academy, I am proud to announce the promotions of these seven supervisors.  I hope many of our new officers see the hard work and dedication it takes to be promoted and strive for those same goals.  Our Lieutenants come from different backgrounds in our department but bring more than 75 years of experience to help guide our young officers.  I am entrusting our new Sergeants to be fair, but firm as they transition from being an officer to being our first line supervisors.  I wish everyone the best of luck as they have reached a career milestone,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I am proud to congratulate our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Officers who are being promoted to Lieutenant today: David Arroyo, Pablo Feliciano and Joseph Piemonte. As well as those promoted to Sergeant: Runuel Bibby, Raymond Mateo, Juan Marquez-Estrada and Elizer Vasquez.  Thank you to each and every one of you and your families for your service and continued brave and dedicated efforts in keeping our Springfield and the community safe.”

Lieutenant David Arroyo

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Springfield, Lt. Arroyo became a Springfield Police Officer in 1998.  The United States Marine Corps. and United States Army veteran served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The father of five has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University and his wife Ivys is a Hartford Police Sergeant.  He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2017 and will be assigned to Squad A Uniform Division as a Lieutenant.  Lt. Arroyo will be pinned by his brother retired Springfield Police Officer Edgardo A. Arroyo.

Lieutenant Pablo Feliciano

Lt. Feliciano has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 25 years.  He was also a member of the Army National Guard.  Lt. Feliciano was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019 where he was a Student Support/Youth Aide Supervisor and will remain assigned to the Internal Investigations Unit as a Lieutenant.  Lt. Feliciano will be pinned by his nephew Ware Police Officer Nicolas Feliciano.

Lieutenant Joseph Piemonte

Born and raised in Springfield Lt. Piemonte is a Central High School graduate who later received a Masters’ degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.   He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2017 after becoming a Springfield Police Officer in 1993.  Most recently assigned to the Internal Investigations Unit, he will be assigned to Squad A Uniform Division as a Lieutenant.  Lt. Piemonte will be pinned by his wife Christine.

Sergeant Runuel Bibby

With nearly thirty years of military experience in the United States Air Force, Sgt. Bibby became a Springfield Police Officer in 2015.  Sgt. Bibby has received numerous accolades in both the military and police department including, but not limited to the prestigious military Meritorious Service Medal and the Medal of Valor from the Massachusetts Police Association in addition to two Springfield Police Department Commendations.  The Texas native moved to Springfield in 2004 and is a member of the Springfield Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit and Enduro Unit.    Currently assigned to the Metro Unit, he will be assigned to Squad B Uniform Division as a Supervisor.   Sgt. Bibby will be pinned by his friend Wilbraham Police Officer Sean Ford.

Sergeant Raymond Mateo Jr.

Born in Miami, Sgt. Mateo was raised in Massachusetts graduating from Chicopee High School.  The Springfield resident became a Springfield Police Officer in 2014.  In 2011 he joined the United States Air Force Reserves where he is a Technical Sergeant at Westover Air Reserve Base and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.  Sgt. Mateo will be assigned to Squad A Uniform Division as a Supervisor.  Sgt. Mateo will be pinned by his wife Elizabeth Soler-Mateo.

Sergeant Juan Estrada-Marquez

A member of the Detective Bureau’s Crime Scene Unit for the past 15 years, Sgt. Estrada-Marquez has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 25 years.  The Springfield resident is a graduate of Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.  He will be assigned to Squad A Uniform Division as a Supervisor.  Sgt. Estrada-Marquez will be pinned by his youngest daughter Alexandrah Estrada.

Sergeant Elizer Vasquez

Sgt. Vasquez graduated from Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy and has been a Springfield Police Officer since 2016.  The Springfield native also has nine years of military experience serving in the Air Force Reserve for six years and the Air National Guard for three years.  The father of two sons received a Departmental Commendation for helping to clear a burning building on Belmont Avenue.  Currently assigned to the Metro Unit, he will be assigned to Squad C Uniform Division as a Supervisor.   Sgt. Vasquez will be pinned by Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood.